Phytoestrogens are plant-derived chemical compounds which may affect reproductive processes in humans and animals. In their target cells, phytoestrogens may mimic (estrogenic effects) or antagonize (antiestrogenic effects) action of endogenous estrogens. In the current paper, contemporary views are presented on intracellular mechanism of phytoestrogen action in ovarian, uterine, and mammary gland cells.

Phytoestrogens are biological active substances present in many plants. Phytoestrogens, mycoestrogens and xenoestrogens belong to so called environmental estrogens which may affect different biochemical processes in animals. In the review we attempt to present current knowledge on classification and occurrence of phytoestrogens as well as their metabolism and biological effects in females.

The mechanism of action of prolactin in the ovary of sexually mature pigs

Prolactin regulates a wide variety of biological processes in the ovary and uterus. Particular variants of prolactin, one binding to its receptor isoform can stimulate different intracellular signal transduction pathways. This leads to the activation of a specific set of genes for a given tissue, the species and the period of reproduction. Understanding the relationship between the specific biological function of prolactin and the way it impacts the target cell, despite the progress recorded in the last decade, is the current goal of many studies.